UK Auto Industry Slammed for Low Safety Standards

The auto industry in the United Kingdom has been slammed after it was found that just 55 per cent of new cars in the UK come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as a standard feature. ESC is life-saving technology.

Out of the 25 European countries surveyed, the UK came 21st when it came to auto safety. In top-ranked Denmark, 76% of new cars have ESC as standard, and Sweden and Germany were ranked second. Ireland came last in the survey.

One expert said: "We are particularly con­cerned the technology is not offered on some superminis sold in the UK. These tend to be bought by more vulnerable younger drivers, who arg­uably need this protection most."